These Colorado college towns will make you want to hang around after earning your cap and gown.
In the Centennial State, there’s an incredible blend of outdoor beauty, vibrant culture and thriving academic communities. Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, Colorado is home to some of the best college towns in the nation.
With a variety of universities and colleges to choose from, these towns offer a unique blend of academic excellence and exciting recreational opportunities. Let’s dive into what makes these towns such exceptional places to study and live.
With its picturesque mountain backdrop, Boulder is considered the quintessential college town in Colorado. Home to the University of Colorado Boulder, which offers top-notch business, marketing and biological sciences programs in addition to a vibrant outdoor scene. It’s no surprise that Boulder consistently ranks among the best college towns in the nation.
Boulder also boasts a bustling downtown area, where you’ll find a diverse array of eateries, bars and shops. For those who love the great outdoors, Boulder is a dream come true. Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons provide endless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and soaking in stunning views. Additionally, Boulder is known for its environmentally conscious culture, which is reflected in the city’s extensive bike paths and commitment to renewable energy.
Just west of Denver lies the charming town of Golden, home to the Colorado School of Mines. With its rich history dating back to the Gold Rush, Golden is an idyllic setting for students pursuing degrees in engineering, geology and other related fields.
The town itself is quaint, with a walkable downtown area featuring shops, restaurants and breweries. The Coors Brewery, the largest single-site brewery in the world, is also located in Golden, offering a unique glimpse into the beer-making process at the most prolific level.
Golden’s location at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. North Table Mountain Park and the Clear Creek Trail are just a few of the nearby destinations for hiking, mountain biking and any other outdoor recreational activity.
For those interested in the town’s history, the Golden History Museum and the Colorado Railroad Museum are a couple of truly unique, must-visit attractions.
Grand Junction is home to Colorado Mesa University and is known for its stunning red rock landscapes and sprawling vineyards. Often referred to as Colorado’s Wine Country, Grand Junction offers a unique experience for students looking to study in a picturesque and culturally rich town.
Downtown Grand Junction is a hub of activity, with shops, art galleries and restaurants lining the streets. The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Grand Junction Art and Jazz Festival and the Colorado Mountain Winefest, which showcase the region’s artistic and culinary offerings.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational opportunities in the surrounding area. The Colorado National Monument is a must-visit, with breathtaking views and miles of hiking and biking trails. Just outside of town, the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, offers more hiking, fishing and skiing opportunities throughout the year.
As the capital city of Colorado, Denver is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Community College of Denver. As a major metropolitan area, Denver offers a different college experience compared to other college towns in Colorado.
The city boasts a thriving arts scene, with the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and numerous galleries scattered throughout the city. Sports fans will find plenty to cheer for, with Denver acting as home to nearly all of Colorado’s major professional sports teams. Music lovers can enjoy concerts at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre or catch a show at one of the many smaller venues around town.
Denver’s food scene is equally impressive, with a diverse array of dining options, from farm-to-table restaurants to globally inspired cuisine. The city is also home to a flourishing craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and taprooms to explore.
Despite its urban setting, Denver still offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. City Park and Sloan’s Lake Park provide green spaces for jogging, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Plus, the city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains means that skiing, snowboarding and hiking are always just a short drive away.
Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University and is known for its friendly atmosphere and thriving arts scene. The city’s historic downtown, often referred to as Old Town, is a lively area filled with shops, restaurants and breweries. Old Town Square regularly hosts events, including live music and seasonal celebrations.
The city is also home to several museums, including the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, which showcase the town’s rich history and commitment to the arts. Fort Collins is also renowned for its craft beer scene, with more than 20 breweries in the city, including the famous New Belgium Brewing Company.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Fort Collins’ extensive network of bike trails and natural areas, like Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park. These destinations offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and water sports.
As an honorable mention on our list of the best college towns in Colorado, Gunnison is home to Western Colorado University. This small town, surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains, provides students with a unique and scenic college experience.
Gunnison’s quaint downtown area features local shops, restaurants and a vibrant arts scene, including the Gunnison Arts Center. The town also hosts a number of community events throughout the year, like the Gunnison River Festival and Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo.
The surrounding area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to Gunnison National Forest for hiking, fishing and camping as well as Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado is also nearby.
Your Colorado college town awaits
Colorado is home to some of the best college towns in the nation, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant culture and abundant recreational opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to Boulder’s balance of nature and academics, Golden’s charming history, Grand Junction’s picturesque vineyards, Denver’s metropolitan allure, Fort Collins’old town charm or Gunnison’s stunning mountain backdrop, there’s a college town in Colorado that’s perfect for you. These towns provide students with the perfect environment to thrive academically and experience a well-rounded college life in one of the most beautiful states in the country.
Source: rent.com